This most recent landslide is only a stark reminder that recurring disasters have occurred, pointing to a lack of corporate accountability and the failure to install mitigating measures to prevent a new landslide and prompt response when a new one occurs.
One hundred ten people remain missing, seven dead and 31 injured after a landslide swept a mining area in Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro Tuesday evening February 6.
Police also drove away reporters and injured a photojournalist, Barry Ohaylan of Pinoy Weekly & Kilab Multimedia, who was bleeding in the head after being hit by a police officer.
“He is a leader of the tribal council, an active member of the community church, active in the community, that could prove his innocence,” he told Davao Today on Wednesday.
Karapatan’s secretary general Hanimay Suazo said Pedro Tinga, a 57-year old tribal leader in Barangay Malamodao, was killed in an operation by the Philippine Army’s Alpha Company of the 71st Battalion last Friday.